Monthly Archives: May 2018

Movie Reviews

Solo: A Star Wars Story

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Directed by Ron HowardSolo: A Star Wars Story

Starring Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo and Paul Bettany.

Backstory

So, when Disney/Lucasfilm announced all these universe-expanding Star Wars Stories, a film delving into the secret origins of Han Solo was not high on my list of Star Wars stories that I wanted to see.  But still, as it has that Star Wars name on it, I was curious.  And then, throw in its now-legendary troubled production, and I was kinda nervous.  But still, I’ve been there on opening day for every Star Wars film since The Phantom Menace.  We gotta support this thing or else it will never take off.  So, I was ready to see Han Solo: Secret Origins.

Plot

On the ship-building planet of Corellia, a street rat named Han is living a life of indentured servitude to the crime lord Lady Proxima.  But, he has dreams of making it out of there and finding his own way in the galaxy.  He eventually escapes by enlisting in the Imperial Forces, but still dreams of being his own man and not answering to anyone.  He eventually finds a smuggler and thief named Tobias Beckett has infiltrated his unit, and joins Beckett’s crew.  Their first job doesn’t go so well, leaving them indebted to crime lord Dryden Vos.  In order to repay their debts, Han proposes a risky heist on the mines of Kessel.  In order to pull this off, though, they need a crew:  Chewbacca, a prisoner Han rescued and has become good friends with; Lando Calrissian, a scoundrel and gambler who can provide them with a ship; and Qi’ra, the girl Han left being on Corellia, who found her own way off the planet, rising through Vos’s criminal organization and become one of his Vos’s top lieutenants.  Will Han be able to pull of this heist and become the greatest rogue the galaxy has ever seen?

What I Liked

Man, Donald Glover absolutely nails it as young Lando, just oozing charm and charisma.  His navigation droid, L3-37, is also hilarious as she fights for droids’ rights.  Lots of great space battles and action scenes.  I mean, whoever thought we’d see a train heist in a Star Wars film?  And some great cameos and Easter Eggs from other corners of Star Wars lore.

What I Didn’t Like

I’m sorry, but I didn’t quite buy Alden Ehrenreich as young Han Solo.  I found him to be just a little too…chipper to be the young version of the rogue we all came to love.  And maybe it was the 3D, but I found the look of the film to be rather murky, making it tough to follow some of the action scenes.

Final Verdict

I thought it was fun, and delivered Rogue One‘s initial promise of being a heist film with no Jedi Knights coming into save your butt.  Not the best Star Wars, but still enjoyable.

3 Nibs

Movie Reviews

Deadpool 2

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Directed by David LeitchDeadpool 2 poster

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, and Brianna Hildebrand

Backstory

With the way superhero films dominated the box office these days, we were primed for a superhero spoof.  The first Deadpool filled that bill quite nicely.  With Deadpool’s wisecracks and fourth-wall-breaking commentary, it was perfect.  And it was a gigantic hit, so of course, a sequel was greenlit, bringing along some of Deadpool’s pals from the comics, like Cable.  But, as is the trend with comedies, can the sequel be as funny as the first film?  Well, time to head down to the box office and find out.

Plot

After the events of the first film, Deadpool has become a globe-trotting superhero, taking down the worst of the worst, and always coming home to his beloved Vanessa.  But, tragedy strikes, as some vengeance-seeking villains manage to kill Vanessa.  His heart broken, Deadpool goes on a quest to find new meaning in his life.  It appears as though he finds it in Russell, a young mutant with the ability to control fire.  When the time-travelling mutant Cable comes to the present to kill young Russell, Deadpool makes it his mission to protect Russell.  In order to do so, Deadpool forms his own team, X-Force, consisting of the very lucky Domino, the alien warrior Shatterstar, the acid-spitting Zeitgeist, and the powerless Peter.  Will X-Force be able to save Russell from Cable?  What’s Cable’s deal, anyway?

What I Liked

Ryan Reynolds, once again, just nails it as Deadpool.  He captures the character’s quips so perfectly.  There’s some absolutely hilarious set pieces, with X-Force’s first disastrous battle being a standout.  Everyone in the cast is good, with Zazie Beetz being a wonderfully charming Domino, and Josh Brolin an appropriately gruff Cable.  Some great joke cameos as well, and I’m pretty sure that’s the first R-rated film score.

What I Didn’t Like

Well, there are some moments that aren’t as funny as the others, and they tend to drag a bit.

Final Verdict

Probably as funny as the first, and truly a very entertaining outing for Deadpool and gang.  I liked it.

3 Nibs